The Rainbow Project will host the amateur tournament as it enters its second year hosted at Seaview Stadium , this Sunday, July 29, as part of Belfast Pride Week in partnership with Crusaders FC, the IFA and CPL recruitment.

Football vs Homophobia is an international initiative to encourage participation in football and to oppose homophobia, biphobia and transphobia at all levels of the sport – from grassroots to top flight professional clubs.

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Director of The Rainbow Project, John O’Doherty said: "Sport has the unique ability to bring people together and develop a sense of belonging and teamwork. Too many LGBT people feel excluded from participating in sport and so events like Football vs Homophobia give people the opportunities to take part in sport and have a good time while at the same time taking an important stance against prejudice in sport so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful game without fear or prejudice or stereotyping."

Crusaders Club vice-Chair Mark Langhammer added: "In line with our commitments within the UEFA 10- Point Plan, and the IFA’s “Football for All” initiative, we want football players and fans to take a clear stand against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful game and so that football leads the way in removing discrimination and prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Sport is an amazing way for people to achieve better mental health."

Aine Brolly, Managing Director of CPL said: "CPL are delighted to sponsor the Football v Homophobia event again this year. As an organisation we are committed to celebrating diversity and ensuring that everyone can be true to themselves without being subjected to discrimination of any kind. We launched our LGBT Ally initiative company-wide last year and we will continue to support our LGBT employees and our community through advocating for equality."

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